Your shoulder aches and you're short of breath. Or your skin breaks out with itchy bumps. Or your head feels like it's in a vise. So what do you do?

Many of us start with the Internet. Later we call the doctor to make an appointment, acknowledging that it's probably nothing ... but yes, there's a possibility it's serious.

That probably seems silly, but we patients have taken self-diagnosing on the Internet to such an extreme that some doctors call it "cyberchondria," meaning Internet hypochondria.

Cyberchondria drives most doctors crazy. They tell me that by the time some patients show up for appointments, they have already diagnosed themselves, or have at least narrowed the choices. These patients no longer look to their doctors for answers but for confirmation.

But will this approach help us get good care?

The answer lies in the middle. Our best care will result from a balance between the benefits the Web, and taking advantage of our doctors' education and experience.

Good communication is the key to creating the balance. Here's my approach:

Go online to learn what you can about your symptoms, possible tests and treatments.
Just be sure the information is credible. Find some guidelines online at bit.ly/CredibleHealthInfo
When you see your doctor, describe your symptoms. Don't show up with computer printouts. And don't mention your own research until your doctor begins recommending tests or providing a diagnosis which may, or may not, concur with your findings.

If they are the same, then share that. But different results require a different approach -- one that lets you share your findings, but doesn't discount your doctor's education and experience.

Ask questions, like "My research suggested X. Can you tell me why you ruled that out?" or "I didn't find your diagnosis in my research. Will you suggest some online resources for me?"

The result will be a more respectful exchange with a professional who knows you and your health, combined with the more comprehensive Web information.